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Crime

Fugitive drug dealing matriarch finally behind bars after 16 months on run

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A KEY figure in a major drug-dealing operation that stretched across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Swansea has been captured and is now behind bars after 16 months on the run. Lynne Leyson, 51, was arrested on Sunday evening and appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, where she was committed to prison to begin her nine-year sentence.

Leyson, alongside her husband Stephen and son Samson, ran a lucrative cocaine and cannabis network from their smallholding in Capel Dewi, near Carmarthen. Despite being convicted for her role in the operation, she went on the run in July 2023, skipping bail just before sentencing. Her husband and son were jailed in her absence.

The family’s criminal enterprise was exposed after a significant police operation, codenamed Operation Hilston, led to the discovery of large quantities of drugs and weapons at their property. Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police raided the compound in October 2021, seizing more than half a kilo of cocaine, 1.4kg of cannabis, and £17,000 in cash. The haul also included a semi-automatic pistol—the first of its kind ever seized by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The police operation linked the Leyson family’s drug distribution network to dealers operating in Pembrokeshire. One individual, going by the nickname Mr Pickles, was identified as a key player selling drugs for the family..

At trial, all three members of the Leyson family were convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. Stephen Leyson, 55, was additionally convicted of possession of a firearm. In July, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison, while 22-year-old Samson Leyson was sentenced to six years. In September, Lynne Leyson was sentenced to nine years in her absence, with Judge Catherine Richards describing her as the “dominant force” in the drug enterprise.

Judge Richards noted that Lynne Leyson had played a leading role in directing the drug conspiracy from the farm, using her influence to control others involved in the operation.

Since going on the run, Leyson had travelled extensively across the UK, eluding police for more than a year. However, her return to the Dyfed-Powys Police area on Sunday led to her arrest. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Jones, who led the investigation, expressed his gratitude to the public for their assistance in locating Leyson. “This arrest shows our determination to find those who think they can evade justice. I would like to thank the public for their assistance and the officers for their dedication and persistence,” he said.

The Leyson family’s downfall marks the conclusion of a long-running investigation and a significant blow to organised crime in West Wales.

The police said that their operation has sent a clear message that drug-related crime in the Dyfed-Powys area will not be tolerated.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

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A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Crime

Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’

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A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.

Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.

“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”

Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.

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Crime

Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road

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A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.

Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.

“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.

Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.

Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.

He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”

Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.

“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.

Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.

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